Elmwood Park, Columbia, South Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Elmwood Park Historic District
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Elmwood Park neighborhood
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Columbia, South Carolina |
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| Architect | Johnson, J.Carroll; Urquhart, James Burwell |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements, Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000529 |
| Added to NRHP | May 3, 1991 |
Elmwood Park is a historic neighborhood located in the center of Columbia, South Carolina. It was first established in the early 1900s. This area is so special that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 3, 1991. This means it's recognized as an important part of history!
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The Story of Elmwood Park
From Fairgrounds to Homes
The land where Elmwood Park now stands was once outside the city limits of Columbia. It was used as the State Fair Grounds. There was even a race track in the area between Park Street and Wayne Street.
After the state fair moved to its current spot near the University of South Carolina, the land became available. The owners started selling pieces of it for building homes. One owner even left land in his will for new schools.
How the Neighborhood Grew
In 1905, the land was divided into smaller lots. These lots were then sold to the public in a big auction. This auction is seen as the official start of Elmwood Park.
The neighborhood quickly grew with many new houses. Because it was growing so fast, the City of Columbia officially made it part of the city in 1907. This was a big deal! Elmwood Park became the first "suburb" and the first time the city expanded beyond its original borders.
Elmwood Park's Historic Homes
A Look at the Architecture
The National Register of Historic Places lists 279 homes in Elmwood Park. About 219 of these homes are considered "contributing." This means they help show the history and character of the neighborhood.
You can see many different styles of houses here. Some homes are in the fancy Queen Anne style. Others are American Foursquare or Colonial Revival houses. You'll also find smaller, one-story homes with an American Craftsman look. Many brick bungalows, built in the 1920s and 1930s, are also present. Even some "shotgun houses" still stand in the oldest part of the neighborhood.
Historic Schools in the Neighborhood
Elmwood Park is home to two important historic schools. One is Logan Elementary, which is still a school today. The other is the former Wardlaw Junior High. This building is now a place for senior citizens called Wardlaw Apartments.
Logan School was designed by a local architect named J. Carroll Johnson. It was built in 1913 and added to the National Register in 1979. Wardlaw Junior High School was designed by another famous Columbia architect, James Burwell Urquhart. It was built in 1927 and added to the National Register in 1984. These schools are a big part of the neighborhood's history.
